Treason case: Nawaz, Abbasi directed to submit reply by October 22

LHC withdraws arrest warrants of Cyril Almeida and orders removal of his name from ECL

LAHORE: A full bench of the Lahore High Court directed former prime ministers -- Nawaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi -- to submit their replies by October 22 in light of a petition seeking treason case against them under Article 6 of the Constitution.

The bench, headed by Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, also directed the federal government to submit a detailed reply over the steps taken by the cabinet division against them.

The court proceedings progressed in commotion as the courtroom was overly crowded with lawyers and political figures owing to the presence of former premiers, while journalist Cyril Almeida was also present.

 



As Almeida appeared before the court, the bench withdrew the non-bailable arrest warrant that had been issued on the previous proceedings to procure his attendance. The bench also directed removal of his name from the exit control list (ECL).

Justice Naqvi expressing his dismay over the non-presence of the attorney general directed him to appear before the court on next hearing and issued a notice to the secretary for Ministry of Defence to submit para-wise comments regarding the accusations contained in the instant constitutional petition.

As the proceedings commenced, Justice Naqvi asked Almeida's counsel why he (Almeida) did not appear before the court despite issuance of notices. The journalist’s counsel replied they had not received summons from the court.

Meanwhile, Justice Chaudhary Masood Jahangir asked the deputy attorney general whether the cabinet division had taken steps over the controversial interview.

 



At this, the deputy attorney general replied that the matter was related to PEMRA.

It irked Justice Jahangir who remarked PEMRA's work is to stop broadcasting speeches while the federal government's job is to take steps under Article 6 of the Constitution.

“Did you keep the promise you had made, is Nawaz Sharif here?,” the judge inquired from PML-N's counsel Naseer Ahmed Bhutta who replied "we are always here in court whether we be the prime minister, former prime minister, petitioner or even defendant”.

The lawyers present in the courtroom laughed at Bhutta's comment. In a lighter mood, Justice Naqvi remarked "you are welcome here".

Justice Naqvi inquired if Sharif was present at which the PML-N supremo stood up. Khaqan Abassi also replied that he was present and along with his counsel. At this, Justice Naqvi asked when the by-polls are being held to which Naseer Bhutta replied October 14. The LHC judge then adjourned the hearing till October.